Human Lives Human Rights: Many of the vetoed resolutions are about the violation of the most important human right, the right to life. These draft resolutions were prepared and submitted to the Security Council in view of the increasing sensitivity of countries regarding the Palestinian conflict. These drafts tried to condemn the actions of the Israeli government that violated the right to life and involved the cruel killing and torture of Palestinians. But they were vetoed one after another. These resolutions, especially in the early years of the 21st century, were more frequently presented to the United Nations. For example, in 1983, Washington once again used its negative vote on the draft resolution condemning the Israeli crimes in the Palestinian camps of Sabra and Shatila, making this international action against this massacre fruitless. This killing, as evidenced by many experts, is one of the cases of genocide, which is one of the most serious violations of human rights.
The March 2001 resolution that was vetoed expressed its deep concern over the series of tragic events that had occurred since September 2000 and had led to the death and injury of Palestinians. It called for ending the violence, supporting Palestinian civilians in the occupied territories and promoting dialogue between Israel and Palestine.
The October 2004 resolution that was vetoed reaffirmed the previous resolutions, including Resolution 242; 338; 446; 1322; 2017; 1402; 1403; 1405; 1435; 1515 and 1544. It expressed its deep concern over the deterioration of the situation in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967. Resolutions such as these that referred to the killing and violation of the right to life of Palestinians increased after the 22-day war between Gaza and Israel. The scope of the crimes and killings was so great that several resolutions were submitted to the Security Council. This council in most cases continued its previous practice, which relied on the indecisiveness of these measures, and the origin of which was the veto power of the permanent members. Among the most important resolutions vetoed in the Security Council after the 22-day war in Gaza, the following can be mentioned. The July 2006 draft resolution proposed by Qatar and again reaffirming all relevant resolutions, especially 242; 338; 1397; and 1515. It also emphasized the applicable laws and international principles, including international humanitarian law and human rights laws, especially the 1949 Convention. Another draft resolution was proposed by Qatar in November 2006. But it was vetoed again.
Another case that has remained stagnant due to the veto power of the permanent members of the Security Council is the case of oppression and killing of Muslim people in Rohingya state located in Myanmar. Next, to examine the draft resolution of 2007 by the United States; Great Britain; and Northern Ireland and its final outcome are discussed.
Draft resolution proposed by Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the United States of America in 2007
Recalling Resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security; Resolution 1612 (2005) on children and armed conflict; Resolution 1285 (1999) and Resolution 1296 (2000) on protection of civilians in armed conflict; and its presidential statement on November 28, 2006.
Recalling its endorsement of “good offices” mission by the Secretary-General and expressing strong support for his efforts and those of his representatives in this regard.
Welcoming visits by Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs to Myanmar in May and November 2006 at invitation by Government of Myanmar and fully supporting requests made by Under-Secretary-General to Government of Myanmar for release of political prisoners; inclusive; transparent; and meaningful political process; free and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance; cessation of hostilities in Kayin State; and signing an agreement with International Labour Organization to address complaints of forced labour.
Welcoming efforts by United Nations agencies in Myanmar including Food and Agriculture Organization; United Nations Development Programme; United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; UNICEF; United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime; World Food Programme; World Health Organization as well as joint efforts by Association of Southeast Asian Nations to facilitate peaceful transition to democratic governance and early elections in Myanmar.
Expressing deep concern at slow pace of tangible progress in national reconciliation process in Myanmar and continued detention of political prisoners including extended house arrest of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and urging establishment of a national convention that includes opportunity for effective dialogue.
Expressing concern over continued attacks by Myanmar Army on civilian targets in ethnic minority areas and particularly attack on civilians in Kayin State which has resulted in increased numbers of internally displaced persons and refugees.
Recalling General Assembly Resolution 61/232 and expressing deep concern about human rights violations in Myanmar as reported by Special Rapporteur on September 21, 2006 including violence against unarmed civilians by Myanmar military; extrajudicial killings; torture; rape; forced labour; militarization of refugee camps; and recruitment of child soldiers.
Expressing deep concern about restrictions imposed by Government of Myanmar on humanitarian actors which increases difficulties in reaching civilian population especially those who are most vulnerable and living in remote areas.
And expressing deep concern about transnational threats posed by situation in Myanmar particularly HIV/AIDS; avian influenza; and drug and human trafficking.
The Security Council,
1- Declares strong support for efforts by Secretary-General and his representatives to implement “good offices” mission and welcomes continued efforts by all relevant United Nations organizations in this field. 2- Requests Government of Myanmar to provide comprehensive and timely response to Secretary-General’s efforts to implement necessary measures. 3- Requests Government of Myanmar to cease military attacks against civilians in ethnic minority areas and particularly to end human rights and humanitarian law violations against persons belonging to ethnic nationalities including rape and other forms of sexual violence by members of armed forces. 4- Requests Government of Myanmar to allow international humanitarian organizations to address humanitarian needs of people of Myanmar without restriction. 5- Requests Government of Myanmar to cooperate with International Labour Organization and its representatives in eradicating forced labour. 6- Requests Government of Myanmar to initiate political dialogue without delay, which will lead to a genuine democratic transition.
Finally, this resolution was vetoed by the negative vote of Russia and China.
